Garden Plants, How and where
to grow them - Flowering Perennial / Shrub

Fuchsias - Half Hardy

The half-hardy Fuchsias are the
group that people most often think of as typical of
the group. They have large showy flowers in the summer
months in two shades of white, cream, red, pink or purple
and can be readily overwintered somewhere frost-free.

The flowers are usually paired and downwards facing,
which while it adds to their charm, can also limit their use
in the garden, though many gardeners are more than
prepared to display these plants above ground level in order
to enjoy them.

These are usually bought as small plug plants in the spring,
which is the most economical way of buying them. They can be
overwintered easily in a frost-free place, such as a greenhouse,
conservatory or similar.

They shouldn't be kept too warm in the dormant season as
it encourages growth and in the absence of much light in the
winter this results in weak and leggy growth. As long as they
don't get frosted, are kept reasonably moist and an eye is kept
on them for aphid infestations (which can happen in mid-winter),
they can be kept for several years (after or during which time
cuttings can be taken to keep the plants going).

Fuchsias can be grown in sun or semi-shade. They need moisture
and flower better when the roots are somewhat restrained - this
means a relatively small container to plant size is needed and
means that they will dry out very quickly in sunny a spot. The
leaves are quite thin and soft and can be burnt by too much
direct sunshine.

Height and spread: up to 1m
x 1m (3ft x 3ft) but very variable by variety and typically
plants are half this size when mature.

Position: sun / semi-shade

Soil: fertile, well-drained
soil

Rate of growth: average

Flowering period: May to October

Flower colour: two shades of
white, red, pink and purple. The outer layer is usually
recurved sepal with the true petals forming a central corolla,
long stamens and anthers frequently protrude.

Flower size: from 0.5cm (1/4
inch) to 6cm (2 1/2 inches) across according to variety

Hardiness: NOT frost hardy,
can be overwintered in a cool frost-free and light place

Garden care: Deadhead regularly
to prolong flowering - many will form dark fruit if left,
so using much energy. Young plants should be pinched out
at every set of 4 leaves that appear to promote a bushy
habit, then leave after late spring/early summer to encourage
flowering. Keep moist at all times, but not wet. Generally
easy to grow as long as they don't get dry or scorched.

Pruning: 2nd and subsequent
year plants can be cut back in early spring before much
growth has started to keep the plant compact, later pruning
will affect flowering too much.

Uses: Containers, especially
hanging baskets, wall pot etc.

Just how do you spell this name!? This genus of plants is
named after the botanist Leonhart Fuchs,
so adding "ia" for makes it more Latin-like. Other similar examples
are Joseph Banks and Banksia and Louis Antoine de Bougainville
and Bougainvillea.A fabulous photographs site - over 300
varieties and nice big pictures too.